NLC orders CETAG to call off strike

As Usual, the National Labour Commission has ordered the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) to call off its strike.

This follows Thursday’s hearing where the commission informed CETAG of its decision to sue the government for enforcement of its arbitral award orders for CETAG.

CETAG has been on strike since Friday, June 14, 2024, over the government’s delay in implementing the arbitral award and negotiated service conditions.

The arbitral award includes the payment of one month’s salary to each member for additional duties performed in 2022. To enforce its ruling the NLC is heading to court on June 26.

Labour Consultant, Austin Garmey, speaking to the media said: “We cannot deny the fact that the commission listened to the issues we raised, and we can say that they have directed the employer to go and fully implement this particular directive, if you like an adendum to unabitra states already. Therefore, CETAG will have to go and meet with their constituents between today and tomorrow and finalise the decision to return to work. That is the way to go because we will be back to the commission on the 27th.

“Because the employer is expected to begin fully implementing the award on or before the 26th of this month, and more so when they are in court as well. So, we strongly believe that we must see them respecting the orders as well, and we will go and meet our constituents and talk to them, and then we will put this matter behind us.”

CETAG, however, is yet to decide on the order to end the strike.

Source’ citinewsroom.com

GETFund Foreign Scholarship Application: Eduwatch & IFEST Petition MoE and Parliament to Stop It

Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) and the Institute for Education Studies (IFEST-Ghana) have raised concerns regarding an advertisement by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) inviting applications for Foreign Masters Scholarships. According to Section 2(2b) of the GETFund Act, 2000 (Act 581), the Fund is meant to provide supplementary funding to the Scholarship Secretariat for granting scholarships to brilliant but needy students to study in second cycle and accredited tertiary institutions in Ghana, not for directly administering Foreign Scholarships.

GETFund Postgraduate  Scholarship Call for Application – Portal Login 

Unapproved Expenditure

In March 2024, Parliament approved a GHC 3.9 billion allocation to GETFund based on a specific distribution formula, which did not include GETFund Scholarships. Therefore, GETFund’s plans to spend directly on Foreign Scholarships in 2024/25 are outside the approved expenditure items in the 2024 GETFund Formula approved by Parliament, making them illegal.

Non-Responsive Students’ Financial Assistance Regime and Gross Tertiary Enrolment

In 2017/18, Ghana aimed to achieve a 40% Gross Tertiary Enrolment (GTE) by 2030, up from a baseline of 116.97%. Despite unprecedented 60% WASSCE pass rates in core subjects, the 2023 GTE attainment level was just 19.202%, with a secondary-tertiary transition rate of 34%. This highlights significant financial barriers to tertiary education. GETFund is mandated to support the Student Loan Scheme to provide financial assistance to needy students, but the scheme is underfunded, preventing about 30% of applicants from accessing the loan. Even those who receive approvals face funding issues, causing some students to drop out or take on menial jobs to survive. The average student loan amount of GHC 2,250 per year is insufficient compared to the GHC 400,000 cost of a one-year foreign Masters scholarship, making it unreasonable for GETFund to consider awarding such scholarships currently.

Foreign Scholarships and Value For Money

A review of non-bilateral public foreign scholarships in Ghana shows that over 95% of the programs are available locally at Ghanaian universities and cost 20 times less than studying abroad. This does not ensure value for money and contradicts the President’s pledge to protect the public purse.

Unprioritized Spending

Ghana is currently experiencing economic difficulties, characterized by expenditure cuts, increased taxation, and the need for prudent spending of limited local revenues. Spending scarce education sector resources on foreign scholarships for Masters students studying courses available locally is wasteful and does not represent prioritized spending in a sector where over 5,000 basic schools operate under trees, sheds, and dilapidated structures.

Reforming Public Scholarships – The Big Picture

The 2019 GETFund Performance Audit Report, which audited scholarships from 2012 to 2018, found that the GETFund Secretariat acted outside its mandate by directly administering scholarships instead of funding the Scholarship Secretariat to administer public scholarships. The Auditor-General recommended that GETFund abide by Section 2(2b) of the GETFund Act, desist from administering foreign scholarships, and transfer funds to the Scholarship Secretariat for administration.

Eduwatch and IFEST will continue to work with the government to pursue legal and institutional reforms to improve transparency, accountability, and effectiveness. Proposals include strengthening the Scholarships Secretariat into a single scholarships authority accountable to Parliament and decentralizing tertiary scholarships to public tertiary institutions under the regulation of a Scholarships Authority.

Demands

In light of the above, Eduwatch and IFEST make the following demands:

1. The Minister for Education instructs GETFund to cease the ongoing Foreign Scholarship Application process.
2. Parliament injuncts GETFund from spending on Foreign Scholarships, as it is unapproved by Parliament and amounts to wasteful spending of taxpayers’ money.
3. Presidential Candidates in the upcoming elections commit to reforming the public scholarship system to make it meritorious, effective, efficient, transparent, and sustainable.

Accra, 10th June, 2024

Source: Eduwatch Newsletter

Gesi360.com

GES Director General Dr. Eric Nkansah Sponsors WAEC Awardee with 8 As Who is Not in School Over Lack of Funds

 

The news broke earlier that a WAEC awardee with 8 As is not in the university due to lack of funds. Upon hearing this, the Director General of GES, Dr. Eric Nkansah, has offered to sponsor her education.

Dr. Eric Nkansah’s Statement

 

“I will be sponsoring Akosua’s tertiary education so she can study the course of her choice,” said Dr. Nkansah.

As a native of Juaso, I was proud to learn that Akosua Adjei Boateng, a former student of Juaso Senior High Technical School in Juaso-Ashanti, emerged as the overall best student in the Technical programme. However, hearing that Akosua, an orphan, after securing 8 As, has been unable to continue her education at the tertiary level due to financial constraints saddened me.

During the WAEC Distinction Awards last Wednesday, I pledged to sponsor her tertiary education. Later that day, I hosted Akosua, her immediate family, and the Head of Juaso Senior High Technical School in my office to further understand her career choices and next steps. I am convinced Akosua will excel in her tertiary education, and I am humbled to be a part of it,” he said.

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Background

 

Akosua Adjei Boateng, a West African Examinations Council (WAEC) awardee, is unable to continue her education at the tertiary level due to lack of funds. Akosua, an orphan and a former student of Juaso Senior High Technical School in Juaso-Ashanti, obtained grade A in eight subjects in the 2023 WASSCE.

The audience gathered at the National Theatre for the WAEC Distinction Awards was shocked to hear that Akosua was still at home because there were no funds to enable her to continue her education. Meanwhile, WAEC had adjudged her the best candidate in the Technical programme.

Soon after receiving her cash prize and certificate of recognition from WAEC, Dr. Eric Nkansah, Director General of Ghana Education Service, announced to the audience that he would take care of Akosua’s education. Following the programme, the GNA gathered that Dr. Nkansah, a native of Juaso, had asked Akosua and some family members to meet with him.

The audience at the auditorium applauded Dr. Nkansah’s announcement to support Akosua. Akosua told the GNA that she aspired to be a Civil Engineer.

Mr. John Kapi, Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, made Akosua’s plight known at the Council’s Distinction Awards ceremony. Mr. Kapi announced Akosua’s excellent grades she obtained in the 2023 WASSCE for School Candidates and highlighted that despite her outstanding performance, she was not enrolled in any tertiary institution. He emphasized that Akosua needed support to continue her education at the tertiary level.

Gesi360.com

Lost or Damaged WASSCE/BECE Certificate: How to Retrieve Online Attestation

Have you misplaced, lost, or damaged your WASSCE or BECE certificate and need a new one urgently? Here are some policy guidelines and steps to get an attestation document as quickly as possible.

Policy on Certificate Replacement

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) does not issue duplicate certificates. This policy is common among many institutions, including universities. While results slips can be downloaded and copied multiple times, certificates cannot be reprinted by the council. Instead, WAEC provides an attestation of results, which is as valid as the original certificate.

How to Apply for Attestation from WAEC

Required Information and Documents

To apply for an attestation of results, you will need the following details and documents:

• Full name as used in the examination
• Name, month, and year of the examination
• Index number
• Passport photograph
• Valid identification document (e.g., Ghana Card, driving license, passport)
• Application fee of GH¢400.00 (subject to review)

Steps to Apply Online

1. Visit the WAEC Attestation of Results Portal: Open your web browser and go to the WAEC Attestation of Results Portal.
2. Fill Out the Attestation Form:
   • Enter your surname and other names
   • Upload your passport photograph
   • Upload your identification document
   • Provide your email address, phone number, and contact address
   • Enter your examination details (index number, examination type, examination year)
   • Select your collection center
3. Submit and Make Payment: After filling out the form, submit it to make the payment of GH¢400.00.

Collection of Attestation

• Duration: The attestation process typically takes 2 working days.
• Collection Centers: You must collect the attestation personally from the WAEC offices in Accra or regional offices. Note that collection may take longer if done at regional offices.

Identification for Collection

At the point of collection, you will need to present the original copy of any of the following for identification:

• Ghana Card
• Valid Driving License
• Passport

Online Status Check

After applying, you can check the status of your application by visiting the same portal and clicking on “Check Status.” Enter your invoice number, index number, examination type, and year to check the status.

Contact Information

For assistance, you can contact  US 0550414552 only if you need our Help. This number is not for or from WAEC.

However, the application process can be completed independently on the portal.

Here is the link to the WAEC Attestation portal: WAEC ATTESTATION OF RESULT – ONLINE REQUEST FORM. https://resultattestation.waecgh.org/form.aspx

Additional Information

• How long does it take to get WAEC attestation of result in Ghana? Generally, it takes 2 working days, but it might delay if collected from regional offices.
• Cost of WAEC attestation of result: GH¢400.00, subject to review.
• Sample of WAEC attestation of result: You can find samples and more details on the WAEC portal.

Ensure you have all necessary documents and follow the steps carefully to expedite the process of obtaining your attestation of results.

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Source; Gesi360.com

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has directed the executives and members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) to call off its industrial strike with immediate effect.

The Commission described CETAG’s decision to strike at such a crucial moment as an act of bad faith, given the government’s efforts to address their concerns.

CETAG on Friday, June 14, 2024, declared an indefinite strike over what they termed as the government’s show of bad faith toward issues concerning their conditions of service, and the government’s delay in implementing the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders and negotiated service conditions.

But speaking in Accra on Friday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FWSC, Mr. Benjamin Arthur defended the government’s position. Saying“the Government has demonstrated goodwill towards your issues because we believe that it is mutually beneficial, and it will benefit this country that at least we do something for our colleagues who are teaching in the colleges of Education. The government means well.

So we are calling on them to go back to the classroom to go and teach. This strike is out of bad faith,” the CEO of FWSC said

Meanwhile, the President of the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education, Professor Samuel Atintono, has expressed disappointment with the teachers’ decision to strike.

He also described the move by executives and members of CETAG as needless, as it disrupts the proper flow of academic activities for students.

The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) says the impending Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), scheduled for July 2024, faces possible cancellation due to severe funding challenges.

The council has expressed grave concerns about the government’s failure to release critical funds needed for the preparation and administration of the exams.

As the exam date approaches, time is running out for the purchase of necessary logistics.

The Director of Public Affairs at WAEC has highlighted the urgency of the situation, stressing the need for immediate financial support to avoid disruption of the exams.

Speaking on Joy FM’s, Midday News, the Director of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, said, “For BECE, we still have an outstanding payment of ₵698,500, and then for the 2024 examination, we expect a total amount of ₵95,837,306 from the government.”

He noted that so far, the council has received ₵2,284,618, leaving an outstanding balance of ₵93,552,688 needed for the BECE.

He emphasised that the $2 million received is insufficient to facilitate the examination.

The Minority caucus on the Education Committee in Parliament first raised the issue this week, calling for a payment schedule from the government.

Ranking Member on the Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, revealed that he proposed to the Chairman of the Education Committee that they call for a meeting with the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Education, and the national officer for WAEC to develop a roadmap for releasing funds.

He noted that this would enable WAEC to conduct the BECE and ensure they have the necessary financial resources to carry out their mandate.

“The BECE is coming on next month, and they need to prepare financially with resources to carry out their mandate. So, they need money.”

He added that the upcoming WASSCE examination in August also requires funding, hence the urgency of meeting with the various authorities to determine how money can be released to WAEC.

BECE ICT ( Computing ) Questions and Answers For Last Year

 

However, the Vice Chairman of the committee, Dr Prince Hamidu Armah, has downplayed the seriousness of the government’s indebtedness, arguing that such situations have been the status quo for the past decade.

He noted that in 2023, the government paid over ₵80 million towards the BECE, and in 2024, it has already paid ₵2.5 million plus an additional ₵6 million.

“Just to make the point that the government has demonstrated commitment towards making payments and ensuring that the examinations are conducted,”

The education and health sectors have been severely affected by persistent inflation, which stood at 23.1% as of May 2024, down from 25% in April 2024.

These sectors have reportedly seen a substantial decline recently, showing no signs of improvement.

Government Statistician, Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim emphasised the urgent need for proactive and pragmatic measures from government institutions to address the situation.

More Updates soon

Source; Myjoyonline.com

WAEC Distinction Awards held for WASSCE 2023 School Candidates

On Thursday, June 13 2024, WAEC held the WAEC Distinction Awards in Accra for school candidates who sat for the WASSCE 2023.

Management of GES congratulates Master Amo-Kodieh Leonard Kofi Marton from St. James Seminary Senior High School for placing first in the 2023 West Africa Secondary School Exam (WASSCE) for school candidates both in Ghana and the best candidate out of the 2,327,342 candidates from five-member countries.

We also congratulate to Master Dzandu Selorm from Labone Senior High School, who emerged as the first runner-up, and Master Daniel Asenso-Gyambibi from St. James Seminary, who was the second runner-up.

The following were named programme award winners:
1. General Arts – Laudina Adutwumwaa from St Monica’s Senior High School
2. Business – Kwasi Asare Adjei-Fordjour from St Augustine’s College, Cape Coast
3. Technical – Akosua Adjei Boateng from Juaso Senior High Technical School, Juaso- Ashanti

The exciting news is that in March this year, Leonard, Selorm and Daniel made the entire country proud by annexing the top three prizes as the best three (3) out of the 2,327,342 students from the five (5) member countries who sat for the WASSCE 2023 of the WAEC International Excellence Awards for 2023 school candidates from the five (5) member countries who sat for the WASSCE 2023 and were awarded at the 72nd Annual WAEC Council Meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

GES applauds the award-winning students and schools and our hardworking teachers and non-teaching staff for their dedication to training and nurturing these students. Your dedication and commitment to your work have yielded these excellent results. Ayekoo!

Salary Reactivation, Responsibility Allowance etc Processing; GES Gives New Directives

ALL REGIONAL DIRECTORS

DIRECTIVE ON SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS TO GES HEADQUARTERS

It has come to the attention of Management that staff of the Service leave their respective offices and
schools to submit their documents to the Payroll Section, GES Headquarters.

This affects the working or contact hours and, consequently, quality education delivery.

Management therefore writes to notify all Regional and Metropolitan/Municipal/District Directors of
Education to ensure the following:

1. Documents relating to Salary Reactivation, Vacation of Post, Responsibility Allowance, Re-
engagement, Termination and New Entrants (Newly Recruited) should not be given to the
individual staff or their representatives to submit at GES Headquarters. Such documents should
be compiled and sent to GES Headquarters by the Regional HR Officer.

2. All compiled documents should come with a list (both soft and hard copies) and be forwarded
to the Director, HRMD, GES Headquarters, Accra

3. The compiled documents should be arranged according to the list.

This directive takes effect from 3rd June, 2024.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POWER SUPPLY ISSUES: GAS CHALLENGE FROM NIGERIA

Accra, Thursday, 13th June, 2024

The Ghana Grid Company LTD. (GRIDCO) and the Electricity Company of Ghana, (ECG)
wish to inform the public that due to a reduction in gas supply from Nigeria since yesterday,
Wednesday 12th June, 2024 some areas across the country have experienced interruption in
power supply.

The West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO), in a statement, has explained that the
reduction in gas supply was due to maintenance works being undertaken by a gas supplier in
Nigeria and is projected to last three (3) weeks.

The maintenance has caused a reduction in overall power generation capacity in Ghana
which could result in load management over the period of the work.

GRIDCO and ECG however, wish to assure the public that we are collaborating with other
stakeholders in the power value chain to optimise available resources to ensure minimal
impact of the reduction in gas supply on consumers.

GRIDCO and ECG sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.

 

Public Holidays Announced in Ghana 2024

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2024 easter holidays in Ghana

Check Below

STATUTORY PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND COMMEMORATIVE DAYS IN THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA FOR THE YEAR 2024

|Statutory Public Holidays| 2024
Holiday	Date	New
w Year’s Day	1st January	Monday
Constitution Day	7th January Sunday	Monday 8th is Off Day
Independence Day	6th March	Wednesday Thursday 7th is off Day
Good Friday	29th March	Friday
Easter Monday	1st April	Monday
May Day (Workers’ Day)	1st May	Wednesday
Eid-Ul-Fitr	***	***
Eid-Ul-Adha	16th/17th June, 2024	Sunday/Monday
Founders’ Day	4th August	Sunday
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day	21st September	Saturday
Farmer’s Day	6th  December	Friday Christmas
s Day	25th December	Wednesday
Boxing Day	26th December	Thursday
B: *** There are no fixed dates for the Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ul-Adha because they are movable feasts. The dates for their observation are provided by the Office of the Chief Imam in the year.
|Commemorative Days|
African Union Day	25th May	Sunday
Republic Day	1st July	Monday
Note: Commemorative Days would not  be observed as public holidays

2024 Valentine’s Day / Chocolate Day

Valentine’s/Chocolate Day – Wednesday, 14th February

7th March 2024 Rest Holiday for schools and Parade Teams

Ramadan in 2024

11th March Ramadan

April Fool’s Day / Easter Monday – Saturday, 1st April

Mother’s Day in 2024

Mother’s Day in Ghana- Sunday, 12th May

Father’s Day in 2024

Father’s Day in Ghana – Sunday, 16th June

 Easter Holidays in Ghana

The Easter holidays in Ghana start on

Good Friday, 29th March 2024,

30th March 2024 Holy Saturday,

31st March 2024 Easter Sunday and ends on

Easter Monday, 1st April 2024.

7th January  holiday in Ghana

7th January is a holiday in Ghana – Constitution Day. And this year it falls on Sunday – Monday  8th will be declared by the minister of interior.

1st July  holiday in Ghana

First July is no more a Public Holiday.

4th August  holiday in Ghana

4th August is a Public Holiday, Founders Day and it falls on Sunday, Hence Monday 5th August will be Declared as Holiday.

25th May  holiday in Ghana

25th May is no longer a Public Holiday

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